Vet Amir Anwary claims there are five breeds which are perfect for young families – but some pet owners have bemoaned his omission of a very popular dog
A vet has revealed his top five dog breeds for families with young children, sparking a lively debate among pet lovers.
Amir Anwary, who goes by @amirthevet on TikTok, insists that these breeds are ideal for growing families due to their gentle and kind-hearted nature. He suggests parents looking for a family pet should consider adopting a boxer, beagle, poodle, golden retriever or bulldog.
Why you may ask? The dog breeds are known for being loyal, intelligent and pretty easy to train. Take a look at the full list below…
Boxer
The Kennel Club backed up his recommendation of boxers, describing them as a “much loved family companion for their intelligence and character”.
They also highlighted the breed’s excellent guard dog abilities and their proven track record as good tracking dogs, having worked with the armed forces as messengers and pack carriers.
It added: “His clean outline, glossy coat and the nobility of his beautiful head and expression have brought the breed many admirers.”
Beagle
Beagles were hailed as an “excellent hunting dog and loyal companion” with a “happy-go-lucky” nature and generally easy-going temperament.
The Kennel Club stated: “Beagles are loving and lovable, happy, and companionable. All qualities that make them excellent family dogs.”
Golden retriever
Golden retriever enthusiasts often hail the breed as the quintessential family pet, cherished for their gentle disposition and trusting personality.
The Kennel Club said: “Goldens are outgoing, trustworthy and eager-to-please family dogs, and relatively easy to train. They take a joyous and playful approach to life and maintain this puppyish behaviour into adulthood.”
These dogs don’t shy away from active fun either, as the club added: “These energetic, powerful gundogs enjoy outdoor play. For a breed built to retrieve waterfowl for hours on end, swimming and fetching are natural pastimes.”
Poodle
Poodles, whether standard, miniature or toy, are also praised for their trainability and versatility.
The Kennel Club adds: “Poodles are eager, athletic, and wickedly smart dogs of remarkable versatility. The standard, with his greater size and strength, is the best all-around athlete of the family.”
Bulldog
When it comes to bulldogs, they’re celebrated as “docile and loyal companions”, fitting seamlessly into the family home. The experts add: “Bulldogs can weigh up to 50 pounds, but that won’t stop them from curling up in your lap, or at least trying to.
“But don’t mistake their easy going ways for laziness, bulldogs enjoy brisk walks and need regular moderate exercise, along with a careful diet, to stay trim.”
Even though many loved Amir’s list, some accused him of missing an obvious breed from his list – the Staffordshire bull terrier.
One commenter pointed out: “Forgot staffies! They are amazing with kids and are known as nanny dogs.” Another chimed in with a different perspective: “Beagle? Seriously? They are going to wreck the house together.”
Reinforcing the loyalty of Staffies to families, a third user noted: “Staffordshire bull terrier too! Never had a bad one always loves kids!”